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Masterful vs Artful - What's the difference?

masterful | artful | Related terms |

As adjectives the difference between masterful and artful

is that masterful is of or pertaining to the manner of a master of an art, technique, profession, or craft; masterly while artful is performed with, or characterized by, art or skill.

masterful

English

Alternative forms

* masterfull (archaic)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Of or pertaining to the manner of a master of an art, technique, profession, or craft; masterly.
  • :The brushwork on the skin tones was masterful .
  • In the manner of a master; very skillful.
    • The masterful conducting ensured the orchestra gave of their best .
  • Having or showing the qualities of a master vis-a-vis a dependent or subordinate; authoritative; domineering.
  • * 1847 , Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre , Chapter 14, Rochester to Jane by the fire:
    • ...do you not agree with me that I have a right to be a little masterful , abrupt; perhaps exacting, sometimes, on the grounds I stated...
  • * 1868-69 , Louisa May Alcott, Little Women , Chapter 38:
    • When John spoke in that masterful tone, Meg always obeyed, and never regretted her docility.
  • * 1908 , E. M. Forster, A Room with a View , Chapter 18, Lucy to Mr. Beebe about Cecil:
    • ...it was that he is so masterful . I found that he wouldn't let me go my own way.

    Usage notes

    Historically, definition 3 of masterful''''' (authoritative, domineering) has long been losing ground to definitions 1 and 2 (masterly, skillful). In nineteenth century US usage of '''''masterful , definition 3 was almost always meant (10:1). In contemporary US usage, however, the situation is reversed: definitions 1 or 2 are usually meant (10:1).

    Derived terms

    * masterfully * masterfulness

    Related terms

    * masterly

    artful

    English

    Alternative forms

    * (obsolete)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Performed with, or characterized by, art or skill.
  • Artificial; imitative.
  • Using or exhibiting much art, skill, or contrivance; dexterous; skillful.
  • Cunning; disposed to cunning indirectness of dealing; crafty; as, an artful boy. [The usual sense.]
  • *{{quote-news, year=2012
    • , date=June 29 , author=Kevin Mitchell , title=Roger Federer back from Wimbledon 2012 brink to beat Julien Benneteau , work=the Guardian citation , page= , passage=Where the Czech upstart Rosol, ranked 100 in the world, all but blew Nadal's head off with his blunderbuss in a fifth set of unrivalled intensity on Thursday night, Benneteau, a more artful citizen, used a rapier to hurt his vaunted foe before falling just short of a kill. In the end, it was he who staggered from the scene of the fight. }}

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Derived terms

    * artful dodger * artfully * artfulness